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Nell Ward Mystery #4
A Generation of Vipers
A killer is hiding in plain sight, like a snake in the long grass...
When Dr Nell Ward stumbles across a woman's body amongst the purple heather on Furze Heath, she was on the lookout for nests of poisonous adders.
But something is lurking out here far more dangerous than vipers.
A cold-blooded killer is on the loose and this is not his first victim. As DI James Clark begins to investigate, a pattern emerges pointing towards this being the work of a serial killer. Every victim shares the same physical characteristics - all of which are a match to Nell herself.
As Nell is pulled into a tightly coiled mystery, she can't help feeling someone is tracking her every move...
Can she unmask the murderer before they strike again?
When Dr Nell Ward stumbles across a woman's body amongst the purple heather on Furze Heath, she was on the lookout for nests of poisonous adders.
But something is lurking out here far more dangerous than vipers.
A cold-blooded killer is on the loose and this is not his first victim. As DI James Clark begins to investigate, a pattern emerges pointing towards this being the work of a serial killer. Every victim shares the same physical characteristics - all of which are a match to Nell herself.
As Nell is pulled into a tightly coiled mystery, she can't help feeling someone is tracking her every move...
Can she unmask the murderer before they strike again?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2023
1420 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Yarwood-Lovett
21 books321 followersAfter spending sixteen years as an ecologist, crawling through undergrowth and studying nocturnal habits of animals (and people), Dr Sarah Yarwood-Lovett naturally turned her mind to murder. She may have swapped badgers for bears when she emigrated from a quaint village in the South Downs to the wild mountains of the Pacific Northwest, but her books remain firmly rooted in the rolling downland she grew up in.
Forensically studying clues for animal activity has seen Sarah surveying sites all over the UK and around the world. She’s re-discovered a British species thought to be extinct during her PhD, with her record held in London’s Natural History Museum; debated that important question – do bats wee on their faces? – at school workshops; survived a hurricane on a coral atoll whilst scuba diving to conduct marine surveys; and given evidence as an expert witness.
Along the way, she’s discovered a noose in an abandoned warehouse and had a survey de-railed by the bomb squad. Her unusual career has provided the perfect inspiration for a series of murder mysteries with an ecological twist – so, these days, Sarah’s research includes consulting detectives, lawyers, judges and attending murder trials.
Forensically studying clues for animal activity has seen Sarah surveying sites all over the UK and around the world. She’s re-discovered a British species thought to be extinct during her PhD, with her record held in London’s Natural History Museum; debated that important question – do bats wee on their faces? – at school workshops; survived a hurricane on a coral atoll whilst scuba diving to conduct marine surveys; and given evidence as an expert witness.
Along the way, she’s discovered a noose in an abandoned warehouse and had a survey de-railed by the bomb squad. Her unusual career has provided the perfect inspiration for a series of murder mysteries with an ecological twist – so, these days, Sarah’s research includes consulting detectives, lawyers, judges and attending murder trials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
August 16, 2023
The Dr. Nell Ward series is a cozy mystery series, but not the frivolous kind of cozy, if that makes sense. Nell is an ecologist and with each book, she’s involved in a study of either a specific site or species. Here, she’s doing a survey on a site due to be developed when she discovers a young woman’s body. A woman that bears a striking resemblance to her.
This book picks up right after book 3, A Mischief of Rats, leaves off. Do not read this as a stand-alone. You need to have at least read the prior book.
The book is equal parts mystery as DI Clark tries to solve the murder, which appears to be tied to similar prior murders, and Nell’s personal life. The mystery side throws out several suspects and quite a few red herrings. I always feel like I learn something when reading this series and this time is no exception. Yarwood-Lovett is also an ecologist and her knowledge shines through each book.
The climax is truly something and I will admit to lots of squirming while reading it.
My thanks to Netgalley and Embla Books for an advance copy of this book.
This book picks up right after book 3, A Mischief of Rats, leaves off. Do not read this as a stand-alone. You need to have at least read the prior book.
The book is equal parts mystery as DI Clark tries to solve the murder, which appears to be tied to similar prior murders, and Nell’s personal life. The mystery side throws out several suspects and quite a few red herrings. I always feel like I learn something when reading this series and this time is no exception. Yarwood-Lovett is also an ecologist and her knowledge shines through each book.
The climax is truly something and I will admit to lots of squirming while reading it.
My thanks to Netgalley and Embla Books for an advance copy of this book.
May 14, 2024
I listened to this book like I did for the previous 3. Kristin Atherton gets 5 stars for her narration - it was fantastic as usual. The 2 stars is due to the plot. It was flowing along and interesting. I've been enjoying this series and the characters. I really like that Dr. Ward is smart and observant. And then IT happened.
September 6, 2023
Okay. Book #4. How many times can this protagonist be personally targeted by a killer in the space of say, two years? One, you might think? Twice at the outside? Try four. FOUR. This happens partly because she simply cannot keep her nose out of things—she is no “well-meaning” Jessica Fletcher, intent on seeing justice done, but rather just a thrill-seeking risk-taker, who flies into danger with literally no thought for how badly the situation can get, no back-up, no respect for the authorities who are not only trying to solve the murders, but having to work triple-time to save her. But perhaps most annoying is her love-life: I actually no longer care whether she and her love-interest work things out. They both are so busy tiptoeing around not believing the other is committed that they probably should just both walk away. They are supposed to be highly-skilled professionals (naturalists), but they consistently let themselves be walked all over by every other character in the books.
I had high hopes that this would be a series I would like and could stay with in the long-haul, but as with Harlen Coben (to whom I gave an unprecedented five-book run of reads), these plots are just too similar and wearying to continue. I wish the author well—I just cannot read another. >^..^<
I had high hopes that this would be a series I would like and could stay with in the long-haul, but as with Harlen Coben (to whom I gave an unprecedented five-book run of reads), these plots are just too similar and wearying to continue. I wish the author well—I just cannot read another. >^..^<
August 10, 2023
A Generation of Vipers is the fourth (Dr.) Nell Ward mystery and it has plenty of snakes - both reptiles and humans! Nell is an ecologist and is doing a survey of reptiles, including poisonous adders, that may have to be relocated due to a construction project. However, the area where Nell is working is the domain of the "Heath Hunter" and she seems to be in his targets.
The mystery stands on its own, but Nell's personal life is complicated: the lead detective on the case, DI James Clark, is her ex-boyfriend who is now dating her cousin! Her mother is a member of parliament and some of her colleagues resent her wealthy background. Be aware that developments with Nell's current boyfriend, Rav, will spoil the prior book if you haven't read it.
I enjoy Nell, Dev, and her parents and also like the chapters that detail the investigation being done by DI Clark and his team. I was pleased that some of the characters I hadn't cared for in prior books showed growth in this installment. Nell's colleagues, however, are awful! I have never cared for Erin, the young woman Nell is mentoring, and she does nothing to change my opinion in this book. Nell has new co-workers in this book that are even worse than Erin, but that fits well with the plot because each of them could be the serial killer James is searching for. I like the mixture of ecology, mystery, and drama in this series and really like the way things turned out in this book and would rate it 4.5 stars. I can't wait to find out what's in store for Nell in future books.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Embla Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
The mystery stands on its own, but Nell's personal life is complicated: the lead detective on the case, DI James Clark, is her ex-boyfriend who is now dating her cousin! Her mother is a member of parliament and some of her colleagues resent her wealthy background. Be aware that developments with Nell's current boyfriend, Rav, will spoil the prior book if you haven't read it.
I enjoy Nell, Dev, and her parents and also like the chapters that detail the investigation being done by DI Clark and his team. I was pleased that some of the characters I hadn't cared for in prior books showed growth in this installment. Nell's colleagues, however, are awful! I have never cared for Erin, the young woman Nell is mentoring, and she does nothing to change my opinion in this book. Nell has new co-workers in this book that are even worse than Erin, but that fits well with the plot because each of them could be the serial killer James is searching for. I like the mixture of ecology, mystery, and drama in this series and really like the way things turned out in this book and would rate it 4.5 stars. I can't wait to find out what's in store for Nell in future books.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Embla Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
October 6, 2023
Torture to finish
I always do my best to finish a series that I have started. This series may just bite the dust in my book. Predictable story, ridiculous romance between Nell and Rav, resulting in much speed reading to get past it. I can't imagine the next in the series could be any worse. James at this point is the more interesting of any of the characters.
I always do my best to finish a series that I have started. This series may just bite the dust in my book. Predictable story, ridiculous romance between Nell and Rav, resulting in much speed reading to get past it. I can't imagine the next in the series could be any worse. James at this point is the more interesting of any of the characters.
September 20, 2023
Finally given up with this author. On the positive side, her writing about ecology and the natural world is convincing and interesting.
Unfortunately the characterization and the plots are pretty terrible. The romantic interludes are risible and unbelievable.
I didn't get far before giving up with this.
Unfortunately the characterization and the plots are pretty terrible. The romantic interludes are risible and unbelievable.
I didn't get far before giving up with this.
October 30, 2023
ridiculous start to finish
I really loved the first three books in the series but this last one was ridiculous. I thought the plot regarding the potential killers was messy and the ending melodramatic. The love interest storyline was artificial and juvenile. Waste of time, really.
I really loved the first three books in the series but this last one was ridiculous. I thought the plot regarding the potential killers was messy and the ending melodramatic. The love interest storyline was artificial and juvenile. Waste of time, really.
July 15, 2024
Review originally published on A Keyboard and an Open Mind 16 July 2024:
I started listening to this series solely because Kristen Atherton is one of my favourite narrators, though the Midsomer Murders vibes also helped. Alas, even excellent narration did not help with all the frustrations I felt throughout this instalment, and I think I will no longer continue with the series beyond it.
I’ll start with a warning: don’t read this book if you’re bothered by snakes! They don’t even make me that uncomfortable but a lengthy scene in the book’s climax, which featured 23 adders in a confined space, made even me squirm!
The mystery aspect of the book was fine, and once again, I enjoyed how Yarwood-Lovett intertwined a murder mystery with her own chosen field of ecology. Having said that, I found the villain a little bit cartoonish in his motivations. From memory, the previous murderers in this series have been reasonably well-rounded characters, but I didn’t find that in this case.
Where I was constantly frustrated was the main characters. How is James allowed to continue working so many cases where his ex-girlfriend is a key witness? Is the local police force that small? And no one batted any eyelid when he shared confidential case information with her? I also can’t work out whether James is truly over Nell and just worries for her as a friend, or if he still carries a torch for her. It’s very unclear, and since he’s dating someone else now, if he does still have feelings for Nell, I think that should be dealt with on the page.
Rav’s mental health is suffering after the car accident he experienced at the end of book three, which isn’t an issue on its own. It was the way he acted like Nell is a delicate flower in need of his protection, and that was what motivated him to finally take his physical therapy seriously, that rubbed me the wrong way. I was so invested in these two getting together in the first couple of books, but now the conflict seems a bit contrived and the relationship has lost me.
And Nell! She’s supposed to be so smart, and she generally is, until (after a break-in at her home and an attempt on her life), goes off on her own to a heath with no phone reception, without telling anyone! Acting on a text message from the same friend’s phone that was compromised and used to access the security code that facilitated the break-in! I couldn’t understand why she would suddenly do something so questionable, just because she was bored and antsy!
Perhaps with the passage of time, I’ll come back to this series but for the moment, these annoyances were definitely enough that I’m setting it aside.
----
Initial review upon finishing:
2.5 ⭐
Don't read this book if you're scared of snakes! Or even if they make you mildly uncomfortable!
Kristen Atherton makes this series really easy to listen to but I think I'm going to stop here. Virtually all the characters were annoying me.
Why did Nell run off without telling anyone where she was going? Why did Rav treat Nell like a delicate flower who needed his protection? Why is James allowed to work on so many cases where his ex-girlfriend plays a key part? And nobody blinked an eye when he shared confidential case information with her?
I started listening to this series solely because Kristen Atherton is one of my favourite narrators, though the Midsomer Murders vibes also helped. Alas, even excellent narration did not help with all the frustrations I felt throughout this instalment, and I think I will no longer continue with the series beyond it.
I’ll start with a warning: don’t read this book if you’re bothered by snakes! They don’t even make me that uncomfortable but a lengthy scene in the book’s climax, which featured 23 adders in a confined space, made even me squirm!
The mystery aspect of the book was fine, and once again, I enjoyed how Yarwood-Lovett intertwined a murder mystery with her own chosen field of ecology. Having said that, I found the villain a little bit cartoonish in his motivations. From memory, the previous murderers in this series have been reasonably well-rounded characters, but I didn’t find that in this case.
Where I was constantly frustrated was the main characters. How is James allowed to continue working so many cases where his ex-girlfriend is a key witness? Is the local police force that small? And no one batted any eyelid when he shared confidential case information with her? I also can’t work out whether James is truly over Nell and just worries for her as a friend, or if he still carries a torch for her. It’s very unclear, and since he’s dating someone else now, if he does still have feelings for Nell, I think that should be dealt with on the page.
Rav’s mental health is suffering after the car accident he experienced at the end of book three, which isn’t an issue on its own. It was the way he acted like Nell is a delicate flower in need of his protection, and that was what motivated him to finally take his physical therapy seriously, that rubbed me the wrong way. I was so invested in these two getting together in the first couple of books, but now the conflict seems a bit contrived and the relationship has lost me.
And Nell! She’s supposed to be so smart, and she generally is, until (after a break-in at her home and an attempt on her life), goes off on her own to a heath with no phone reception, without telling anyone! Acting on a text message from the same friend’s phone that was compromised and used to access the security code that facilitated the break-in! I couldn’t understand why she would suddenly do something so questionable, just because she was bored and antsy!
Perhaps with the passage of time, I’ll come back to this series but for the moment, these annoyances were definitely enough that I’m setting it aside.
----
Initial review upon finishing:
2.5 ⭐
Don't read this book if you're scared of snakes! Or even if they make you mildly uncomfortable!
Kristen Atherton makes this series really easy to listen to but I think I'm going to stop here. Virtually all the characters were annoying me.
Why did Nell run off without telling anyone where she was going? Why did Rav treat Nell like a delicate flower who needed his protection? Why is James allowed to work on so many cases where his ex-girlfriend plays a key part? And nobody blinked an eye when he shared confidential case information with her?
August 15, 2023
Another gripping instalment in the world of Dr Nell Ward.
Thought this was a fascinating storyline with a potential serial killer on the loose again and several cold cases frustrating DI James Clark and his team. Throw in the ecological surveys for Nell and the team and you’ve a cracking mix of police investigation and reptiles needing protection from development.
Great meeting the team again and having new characters introduced to add a little mystery to the story.
Thought this was a fascinating storyline with a potential serial killer on the loose again and several cold cases frustrating DI James Clark and his team. Throw in the ecological surveys for Nell and the team and you’ve a cracking mix of police investigation and reptiles needing protection from development.
Great meeting the team again and having new characters introduced to add a little mystery to the story.
October 13, 2025
The ecology details keep me invested in these!
October 5, 2023
There were a lot of snakes in this book. 🐍
😂😂 (though that’s not why my rating is a little lower than for the rest of the series)
😂😂 (though that’s not why my rating is a little lower than for the rest of the series)
December 12, 2024
I'm gonna say it; this is the BEST book in the series BY FAR!!!
We follow Nell Ward as she is trying to discover the identity of a serial killer that's hiding in plain site whilst doing ecological work on Fuze Heath, the killers main site of murder.
I really like that this time we were working with a serial killer, a nice change from the previous installments and we are focussing mostly on Nell's ecological work in this book.
We also get the POV of DSI James Clark and Rav Kashyap, Rav in this book is mainly situated in the Pendlebury Spinal Unit due to his crash in book 3 "A Mischief of Rats". There's a lot of tension between Rav, Nell and Rav's family which I enjoyed.
I do like that each book is very themed around the title, Nell in this book is trying to discover the "viper" per say whilst doing a survey on adders and vipers. Snakes play a very big part here.
I'll fully admit, I'm a 'dumb reader' when it comes to crime and I do like that there's a lot of "wait, that person couldn't have done it because XYZ" and twists. It kept me thinking on my feet.
Like I said, this is the best book in the series, rn my ranking would go:
1. Generation of Vipers (Book 4)
2. Cast of Falcons (Book 2)
3. Murder of Crows (Book 1)
4. Mischief of Rats (Book 3)
LOVED THIS SO MUCH DUDE idk what else to say, canny wait to start the next
We follow Nell Ward as she is trying to discover the identity of a serial killer that's hiding in plain site whilst doing ecological work on Fuze Heath, the killers main site of murder.
I really like that this time we were working with a serial killer, a nice change from the previous installments and we are focussing mostly on Nell's ecological work in this book.
We also get the POV of DSI James Clark and Rav Kashyap, Rav in this book is mainly situated in the Pendlebury Spinal Unit due to his crash in book 3 "A Mischief of Rats". There's a lot of tension between Rav, Nell and Rav's family which I enjoyed.
I do like that each book is very themed around the title, Nell in this book is trying to discover the "viper" per say whilst doing a survey on adders and vipers. Snakes play a very big part here.
I'll fully admit, I'm a 'dumb reader' when it comes to crime and I do like that there's a lot of "wait, that person couldn't have done it because XYZ" and twists. It kept me thinking on my feet.
Like I said, this is the best book in the series, rn my ranking would go:
1. Generation of Vipers (Book 4)
2. Cast of Falcons (Book 2)
3. Murder of Crows (Book 1)
4. Mischief of Rats (Book 3)
LOVED THIS SO MUCH DUDE idk what else to say, canny wait to start the next
August 23, 2023
I’ve been reading this series since A Murder of Crows and it was always and entertaining and informative read as there’s a solid mystery but also a lot of information about the wild-life which is being surveyed by Nell.
This is the darker and the most intriguing book in this series as there’s a cold case related to a serial killer, a group of new colleagues who could be hiding something from their past. Nell is crushed by what happened to Rav (see A Mischief of Rats) and all the women who were killed looked like her.
This the start of a fast paced and highly entertaining novel that kept me on the edge and made me learned about the animals they were surveying.
There’s a lot of developments, there’s changes in the life of the characters but there’s also a lot of humour.
The cast of characters is as likeable as usual and I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the twists always surprised me even if I was able to guess the culprit (no logic, simply gut feeling).
I can’t wait to read A Trace of Hares, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to Embla Books and Compulsive Reader for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is the darker and the most intriguing book in this series as there’s a cold case related to a serial killer, a group of new colleagues who could be hiding something from their past. Nell is crushed by what happened to Rav (see A Mischief of Rats) and all the women who were killed looked like her.
This the start of a fast paced and highly entertaining novel that kept me on the edge and made me learned about the animals they were surveying.
There’s a lot of developments, there’s changes in the life of the characters but there’s also a lot of humour.
The cast of characters is as likeable as usual and I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the twists always surprised me even if I was able to guess the culprit (no logic, simply gut feeling).
I can’t wait to read A Trace of Hares, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to Embla Books and Compulsive Reader for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 10, 2023
This is book #4 in the Dr Nell Ward mysteries, and I’m kicking myself a bit for not reading the others beforehand. Yes, this will spoil the plot somewhat but OMG, I have become completely and utterly entranced by this book.
I enjoyed the ecologist side of it (I believe the author once was one?) and found it an endearing part of the story. You see, in each book, Dr Nell is studying a different species and through this, you actually learn quite a lot about the particular animal. It also puts her in precarious positions and places, like in the middle of a crime scene- yet again!
This time it’s a serial killer and his victims have spanned decades. They’re also coincidentally the mirror image of our girl, Dr Nell.
With her relationship on the line and her knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, things go from very bad to much worse for Nell. And soon, the serial killers sights are set on her.
I loved the mystery suspense part of this but there was also a beautiful yet sad love story within this cozy mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed every page, big thank you to @emblabooks @thebookdealer for my copy 🫶🏼
I enjoyed the ecologist side of it (I believe the author once was one?) and found it an endearing part of the story. You see, in each book, Dr Nell is studying a different species and through this, you actually learn quite a lot about the particular animal. It also puts her in precarious positions and places, like in the middle of a crime scene- yet again!
This time it’s a serial killer and his victims have spanned decades. They’re also coincidentally the mirror image of our girl, Dr Nell.
With her relationship on the line and her knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, things go from very bad to much worse for Nell. And soon, the serial killers sights are set on her.
I loved the mystery suspense part of this but there was also a beautiful yet sad love story within this cozy mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed every page, big thank you to @emblabooks @thebookdealer for my copy 🫶🏼
August 14, 2023
When a serial killer is murdering victims who look like Dr Nell Ward, she finds herself in danger and DI James Clark is desperately trying to uncover who is responsible.
I simply cannot get enough of this brilliant book series!
Every time I finish reading one of the Dr Nell Ward books I instantly want to get to the next one. I adored the addictive plot which had me constantly guessing and trying to spot clues as it was incredibly clever. Nell and her team were working with snakes, which made for a really fascinating ecological focus in the book.
The characters are easily my favourite aspect of the book. Their development over the series has been outstanding and the emotional moments really got to me. I found myself tearing up more than once!
If you love a cosy mystery with an original protagonist then I highly recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Embla Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I simply cannot get enough of this brilliant book series!
Every time I finish reading one of the Dr Nell Ward books I instantly want to get to the next one. I adored the addictive plot which had me constantly guessing and trying to spot clues as it was incredibly clever. Nell and her team were working with snakes, which made for a really fascinating ecological focus in the book.
The characters are easily my favourite aspect of the book. Their development over the series has been outstanding and the emotional moments really got to me. I found myself tearing up more than once!
If you love a cosy mystery with an original protagonist then I highly recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Embla Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
November 27, 2023
A Generation of Vipers is the fourth instalment in British-born author Sarah Yarwood-Lovett's series featuring aristocratic ecologist Dr. Nell Ward (a.k.a. Lady Eleanor Ward-Beaumont). From its beginnings squarely within the cosy mystery sub-genre, and in spite of featuring an amateur sleuth, containing romantic subplots and the characteristic titles and covers, the series has evolved into grittier territory with more recent instalments.
September 27, 2023
As usual I love a murder mystery that uses ecology and ecosystems as links to bring it all together. I'm definitely going to keep reading this series! That being said, much of this book dealt with the rehabilitation of a character and the strains that puts on a relationship. I honestly found this part of the supra-narrative (e.g., the narrative that occurs across multiple books and not directly related to the book in hand) kind of distracting. I understand it's an opportunity to make the characters' lives more complex and that we can see them grow over a series, but I felt like it came at the expense of the actual plot of this novel. I almost wish the book was like 100 pages longer so that we could support the supra-narrative but also have a properly fleshed out thriller as well.
November 17, 2025
4 stars (Kindle). Trigger warnings - domestic abuse, child abuse, drug use, + a serial killer who targets women. Parts of this story had me dreading turning the next page. It often felt personal, even though I've never experienced that level of violence. Building this series on personal experience as an ecologist, Yarwood-Lovett perfectly blends science with storytelling. I may delay reading the next in this series as I suddenly feel the need for something lighthearted.
2025 re-read. 4.25 🌟 (Audible)
All of the above but diving into the next book instead of something lighthearted. Not that this ISN'T a heavy book, of course. Since I've read it once before, I at least knew what to expect this time around. Nonetheless, my skin is still crawling.
2025 re-read. 4.25 🌟 (Audible)
All of the above but diving into the next book instead of something lighthearted. Not that this ISN'T a heavy book, of course. Since I've read it once before, I at least knew what to expect this time around. Nonetheless, my skin is still crawling.
May 19, 2024
2.5 maybe. For someone so smart, the main character is a bit stupid. And the plots are a bit thin. Nell is particularly unlucky because she is constantly being attacked and injured badly. But particularly lucky because she can recover really quickly in order to go out and get attacked again!!! And the police are at her beck and call. But they are quick and easy to read books, the plots don't take much thinking about and are entertaining enough. Good unable-to-sleep books.
August 16, 2023
A mixture of conservation and crime is at the forefront in this cozy mystery series. Dr Nell Ward keeps getting in the way of a serial killer and has heartache at home with the rehabilitation of Rav her partner seriously injured in an accident. New colleagues of Nell are introduced giving you plenty of suspects. Nell is a character whose very determined her Ecological work comes first which leads to often being in the thick of it. You would have to read other books in the series to get a better insight into the main characters.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher, Embla Books) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher, Embla Books) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
February 23, 2025
This was ok. Lots of twists and turns which generally kept me interested. The ending was ridiculous, though: a woman putting herself in harm’s way despite all the warnings, and apparent previous near-brushes with death. No confirmation of who carried out the harm to the bat either. The ending involved lots of opportunities for telling you what happened, rather than allowing you to work it out for yourself. I enjoyed all of the ecological aspects of the novel.
November 26, 2023
A young woman is found dead and the cause was similar to three previous murders, but the main thrust of the plot is the accident and slow recovery of Rav and the anger of his parents toward Nell and her parents.
Nell is kidnapped by the murderer and held in the tunnel without shoes. She was able to get out after destroying her feet, made it to her car, but the murderer jumped into her car and told her to get him to her mother. He wanted the MP to stop her legislation preventing parole for those who commit vicious crimes against women. His father is in prison and he wants him to be released. On the drive to see her mother, Drew was bitten by the snakes released in the car numerous times and finally died. No one was sorry.
Nell recovered from her ordeal quickly and she and Rav are going to live together.
Nell is kidnapped by the murderer and held in the tunnel without shoes. She was able to get out after destroying her feet, made it to her car, but the murderer jumped into her car and told her to get him to her mother. He wanted the MP to stop her legislation preventing parole for those who commit vicious crimes against women. His father is in prison and he wants him to be released. On the drive to see her mother, Drew was bitten by the snakes released in the car numerous times and finally died. No one was sorry.
Nell recovered from her ordeal quickly and she and Rav are going to live together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2024
Not engaging, not enjoying. Won’t bother to read further than 47%.
September 22, 2024
The little darker turn of the mystery had me intrigued and nervous. What a thrill.
September 25, 2025
It’s no Anthony Horowitz murder story - but I did read it in a day
June 18, 2024
Wow that murderer was fucked up.
March 23, 2025
CAWPILE 6.86
3.5 STARS
Working my way through the series, this is the first 'new' read of my re-read.
I really enjoyed this one despite it being a bit darker and a bit more heavy than the other books.
I still don't like Rav or his family but otherwise I thought the ecology bit was interesting, the crime/mystery bit was very compelling and I really, really just like Nell in this book- she is so relatable.
Can't wait to start #5 now!
3.5 STARS
Working my way through the series, this is the first 'new' read of my re-read.
I really enjoyed this one despite it being a bit darker and a bit more heavy than the other books.
I still don't like Rav or his family but otherwise I thought the ecology bit was interesting, the crime/mystery bit was very compelling and I really, really just like Nell in this book- she is so relatable.
Can't wait to start #5 now!
November 21, 2025
I really liked that the author is an ecologist herself but some things were a bit too overexplained to my liking so 3.8!
August 2, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining mystery and snakes don't bother me at all so even better. This series just keeps getting better a real page turner. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 20, 2023
Absolutely charged through this one, it might be my favourite of the series so far. Really nice easy read!
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